What is it?

The kidneys filter our blood and get rid of wastes by making urine. Urine leaves the kidneys and passes down into the bladder through tubes called ureters. If the ureters tunnel into the bladder correctly, the urine can only go forwards. If the ureters plug in without a tunnel, urine can back up into the kidneys when the bladder is full or when the child is peeing. If the urine is infected and goes backwards it can cause kidney infections (pyelonephritis) which damages the kidney permanently.

What might I notice if my child has it?

If your child is having urinary tract infections with high fevers they might have vesicoureteral reflux. It runs in families and siblings are at higher risk if one child has it. A VCUG test is needed to diagnose it. Some kids outgrow VUR. Others require surgery.

What are the treatment options?

Treatment varies greatly based on grade of reflux, age, the health of the kidneys and whether or not the child is having infections. It ranges from observation to daily antibiotic prophylaxis to surgery (Reimplantation or Deflux Injection). The goal is to prevent kidney infections/damage.